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Travel Guide - Mayabeque, Cuba

The Mayabeque Province takes its (native indian) name from both the river Mayabeque, the largest in the region, & Playa Mayabeque on the south coast. The latter most importantly, historically, being the site of the original San Cristóbal de La Habana settlement of 1514.

The fertile Mayabeque river valley became ecomically prosperous, to the extent that in 1837 it had the first railway in all of Latin America. This in turn allowed the region to become Cuba's first major sugar industry power house, with upto 94 refineries.

The Mayabeque province has a population of 381,446. The provincial capital, San José de las Lajas, is the most populous municipality with more than 74,000 inhabitants. The other 10 municipalities are Bejucal, Jaruco, Santa Cruz del Norte, Madruga, Nueva Paz, San Nicolás de Bari, Güines, Melena del Sur, Batabanó & Quivicán.

Situated between Varadero and Havana and surrounded by rolling hills and scenic countryside, Jibacoa is still unspoilt and the region's best kept secret. Its stunning beaches & sheer peace make it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy life in the Cuban sunshine.

The normally tranquil Jibacoa beach is where the Cuban electronic music festival, Rotillo, is held each year.